Cape Girardeau homeowner escapes overnight fire

A Cape Girardeau homeowner escaped a fire by kicking through a bathroom wall and climbing out a window Monday night.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene of a house fire at 225 O'Connell Drive at 11:52 p.m., according to Cape Girardeau Fire Department records. The homeowner was taking a shower at the time of the fire, but was able to call the fire department from his cellphone. When the bathroom door wouldn't open, the man kicked through a wall to gain access to an adjacent bedroom, where he climbed out the window. He was unhurt.

When they arrived firefighters found the homeowner standing outside, and a fire just inside the living room door, originating under the floor. The fire was quickly extinguished, but caused moderate damage to the structure.

In an email, Cape Girardeau Police spokesman Darin Hickey said the fire was being investigated as an arson.

Pertinent address:

225 O'Connell Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO